COVID-19

PM Modi reviews preparations by Armed Forces to assist in Covid management

By Akash Pandey

Posted on 27/04/2021

Indian Armed Forces have intensified their efforts in the fight against the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday.

The Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the preparations and operations being carried out by the Indian Armed Forces to deal with the pandemic. The Chief of Defence Staff added that nursing staffs are being employed in large numbers to assist the doctors at the hospitals.

During the meeting, General Rawat further informed Prime Minister Modi that all the medical professionals from Armed Forces who have retired or taken early retirement from the forces have been asked to render services in COVID-19 facilities within proximity of their present place of residence.

“Other medical officers who retired earlier have also been requested to make their services available for consultation through medical emergency helplines,” an official government release stated.

To maintain the consistent supply of oxygen in the country, General Rawat informed Prime Minister Modi that oxygen cylinders available with armed forces in various establishments will be sent across hospitals. PM Modi also evaluated the operations being undertaken by Indian Air Force to transport oxygen and other essentials in India and abroad.

PM Modi also asked the CDS to instruct Kendriya and Rajya Sainik Welfare Boards and officers stationed in various headquarters to coordinate the services of veterans to extend the reach to remote areas.

To provide all possible assistance to the nation in the fight against coronavirus, CDS General Rawat informed that the armed forces are planning to build medical facilities in large numbers, where possible military medical infrastructure will be made available for the civilians.

Earlier Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the efforts of the Ministry of Defence and the three Services to fight the current COVID-19 situation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that in time of crisis people look up to the Armed Forces because they have great hope and trust in them.